Producer Scott Rudin thought that Anne Heche was a great choice for the part of Sarah Mitchell.

Nicole Kidman was actually cast as Sarah Mitchell, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.

According to Vanity Fair, Pitt was offered the lead role but passed because he did not want to do another depressing story after Interview with the Vampire and Legends of the Fall.

Natalie Portman turned down a role in the film.